Popular Kentucky Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co.

OriginLouisville, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerOld Forester Distilling Co.
EstablishedFounded in 1870
OwnershipKen Lewis

Introduction

The history of Old Forester Distilling Co. spans over 150 years, beginning with the birth of its founder, George Garvin Brown, in 1846. Brown moved to Louisville in 1863 and created Old Forester in 1870, making it the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles to ensure consistency and quality. The company’s timeline includes key events such as the departure of Brown’s brother J.T.S. Brown Jr. in 1873 to start his own venture, the acquisition of the Old Kentucky Distillery in 1935, and the reopening of the Old Forester Distilling Co. on Whiskey Row in Louisville in 2018.

The distillery has also released several famous products, including the Old Forester 86 Proof, Old Forester 100 Proof, Old Forester Rye, and the annual limited-edition Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Important figures in the company’s history include founder George Garvin Brown, his brother J.T.S. Brown Jr., his cousin James Thompson Brown, and the current Master Distiller, Chris Morris.

Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry-level expression in the Old Forester lineup, praised as one of the best bourbons under $20.

Old Forester 100 Proof: Another core expression, named for its bottling proof.

Old Forester Rye: Introduced in 2019, with a unique mashbill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn.

Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: Celebrates the brand’s founding year and uses a blended barrel approach.

Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond: A 100-proof bottled-in-bond expression.

Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky: A unique expression inspired by the brand’s history.

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: A high-proof (57.5%) bourbon inspired by the Prohibition era.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: An annual limited release, often awarded for its quality.

Old Forester Statesman: A 95-proof expression inspired by the “Kingsman” film series.

Old Forester 150th Anniversary: A special high-proof (over 60%) release to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary.

Timeline

  • 1846: George Garvin Brown, the founder of Old Forester, is born in Munfordville, Kentucky.
  • 1863: Brown moves to Louisville to attend high school.
  • 1870: Brown creates Old Forester, the first bourbon to be sold exclusively in sealed bottles, to ensure consistency and quality.
  • 1873: Brown’s brother J.T.S. Brown Jr. leaves the company to start his own venture, JTS Brown and Sons.
  • 1876: Brown brings in his cousin James Thompson Brown to join the firm, which becomes known as Brown-Thompson.
  • 1890: James Thompson Brown leaves the firm to start his own company, James Thompson & Bro., with his brother Frank.
  • 1897: The Bottled in Bond Act is passed, providing quality assurance for bourbon consumers.
  • 1920-1933: During Prohibition, Brown-Forman receives one of only six licenses to produce Old Forester for medicinal purposes.
  • 1935: The Old Kentucky Distillery, producer of Normandy Rye, is acquired by Brown-Forman.
  • 1946: The first barrel is produced at the Brown-Forman Cooperage.
  • 2018: Old Forester moves back to its historic location on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, opening the Old Forester Distilling Co.
  • 2019: Old Forester introduces its first rye whiskey, using a mashbill acquired from the Old Kentucky Distillery.

Famous Product Releases

  • Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry-level expression in the Old Forester core lineup, praised as the best bourbon under $20.
  • Old Forester 100 Proof: Another core expression, named for its bottling proof.
  • Old Forester Rye: Introduced in 2019, with a mashbill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn.
  • Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: An annual limited release, awarded “best bourbon” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012.
  • Old Forester Whiskey Row Series: A collection of expressions inspired by the brand’s history, including 1870 Original Batch, 1897 Bottled in Bond, 1910 Old Fine Whisky, and 1920 Prohibition Style.
  • Old Forester Statesman: A 95-proof expression inspired by the film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”.

Important People

  • George Garvin Brown: Founder of Old Forester and the Brown-Forman Corporation. Pioneered the concept of selling bourbon exclusively in sealed bottles.
  • J.T.S. Brown Jr.: Brown’s brother who left the company in 1873 to start his own venture, JTS Brown and Sons.
  • James Thompson Brown: Brown’s cousin who joined the firm in 1876, which then became known as Brown-Thompson.
  • Chris Morris: The current Master Distiller for Old Forester, overseeing the production process.

Significant Historical Events

  • 1870: Old Forester becomes the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles, ensuring consistency and quality.
  • 1897: The Bottled in Bond Act is passed, providing quality assurance for bourbon consumers.
  • 1920-1933: During Prohibition, Brown-Forman receives one of only six licenses to produce Old Forester for medicinal purposes.
  • 2018: Old Forester moves back to its historic location on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville, opening the Old Forester Distilling Co.

Sources


[1] https://www.onegirlwholeworld.com/north-america/old-forester-distillery-louisville/
[2] https://sippinghistory.com/2021/12/12/history-of-old-forester/
[3] https://www.oldforester.com/old-forester-birthday-bourbon-returns-for-18th-release/
[4] https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/bourbon/2018/06/14/old-forester-bourbon-distillery-louisville-shows-rich-history/697249002/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Forester